One look at the map of of Europe confirms that the Rhine is a fairly straightforward river flowing in a pretty straight line through the Upper Rhine Valley between Basel and Mainz although it’s a wide plain that would invite any river to meander.

Well, it used to. Until Johann Gottfried Tulla came along in the early 19th century and presented plans to straighten the riverbed and make it easier for shipping traffic. His plans were executed and industry had a very profitable waterway as a result.

The riverbends of the old river were still there once the straightening was complete although in most cases cut off from the flowing river. And many local recreational areas were thus born, smaller and larger lakes, sometimes with islands, open for swimming, boating and wildlife. In other words – this is definitely a more natural state than the shipping route on the other side.

One such area can be found just north of Mannheim, the Lampertheimer Altrhein.

Bird life feels relatively safe on the stretch of land which forms a barrier between the new and the old Rhine.

A grey heron struts his stuff.

This mandarin duck hen was on her own. These ducks are not indigenous to Europe but it’s not uncommon to see a single one or a pair near native duck varieties. Not being a birder, I would have had an easier time if her mate had been around.

And this swan was definitely feeling right at home and let down his feathers.

Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: Water found in Nature